Leisman
was the janitor in a building where Whittaker
Chambers and his family lived in Baltimore.
Leisman gave the defense an affidavit for its
motion for a new trial, casting doubt on Chambers'
claim that he employed Edith
Murray as a maid in his building. Leisman
said he knew all the tenants in the building
and that none of them employed a maid. The government
tried to undermine Leisman's credibility, claiming
he was an alcoholic and an irresponsible drifter.
Leisman complained of harassment by the FBI
after he filed his affidavit.